Multicolor interchangeable flap for ladies&#39; handbags



May 18, 1932.

|. D. KRAUT MULTICOLOR INTERCHANGEABLE FLAP FOR LADIES HANDBAGS Filed Jan. l1, 1937 INVENTOR IRvmG D. KRAuT |ATTRNEY Patented May 18, 1937 `UNITED STATES PATENT oFFieE MULTICOLCR INTERCHANGEABLE FLAP FOR LADIES HANDBAGS 3 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements ina multi-color interchangeable flap for ladies handbags.

The invention has for an` object the construction of a handbag and flap which is characterized by the fact that the ap may be engaged and disengaged from the handbag and serve to close an open top of the bag. i

Still further it is proposed to characterize the flap by the fact that it may be mounted on the handbag along both sides and either side opened to open the handbag.

Still further the invention proposes to provide naps of different colors and shades whichmay be used with one handbag body so that a` purchaser has a choice of flap to match a particular costume. `Still further the invention proposes `an arrange i ment which permits the flap to be mounted on the handbag in several positions to compensate for extended or contractedpositions of the handbag, due to its contents.

Still further the invention proposes an Varrangement by whichthe ap may be lockedat one side on the handbag to necessitate that the other Y side be openedA during the normal opening and closing of the handbag,

It is a further objectof thisinvention to provide the flap and handbag with fastening elements arranged to requirethat the flap be engaged onV the handbag in -aspecific manner. tIn greaterdetail, it is proposed that adifferent number of snap fastener elements be arranged on one side of the flap than onithe. other.

Still further .the invention proposesto arrange the flap so that itis or different colors at different areas, for example, one-half to be one color and the other half to be another color.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawing, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawing forming a material part of this disclosure:-

Fig. 1 is a perspective View of a handbag constructed according to this invention.

Fig, 2 is a perspective view of the handbag with 0 the flap removed.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but illustrating a modification of the invention.

Fig.y 6 is another fragmentary view similar to ,.Fig.- 2 but illustrating a still further modification.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary perspective View of a handbag'` constructed according to a modification of this invention. 5

Fig. 8 is an elevational View of the flap shown in Fig. 7 illustrated in detail.

The multi-color interchangeable nap handbag,

according to this invention, comprises a handbag IIJ with an open top Illa. A flap member Il is w `provided for closing said open top and is adapted i to engage across the top and is capable of bending I4 by which it may be conveniently carried. The `interior of the handbag may be constructed in -known.fashions, that-is, with various sizes and `types of pockets and pocketbooks and lining material, and also `provided with customary small -articles suchas mirrors, compacts and the like.

These details will not be shown on the drawing nor described in the specification as they form no part of the invention.

The flap member II is cross-hatched in Fig. 1 o to indicate that it is a different color than the exterior of the handbag. Similar flaps, either of the same shape or different shape, may be provided, of different colors from each other or different shades `from each other toreplace'the flap I l. 55

Such flaps are not shown on the drawing since, they would be mere duplication. The longitudinal center line of the flap II is indicated by the dot and dash line AA. It is along this line that the flap must be bent when engaged over the open top of the handbag. Either arm of the flap may be opened to open the top of the bag. There is therefore a choice in this respect.

In Fig. 5 a modification of the invention has been disclosed which distinguishes from the prior form in the provision of extra fastening elements 12a adapted to cooperate with the fastening elements I3 when the flap is placed in a different position. It is thus possible to place the flap higher up or lower down on the handbag to comf pensate for the extent to which the handbag is filled with articles.

In Fig. 6 another embodiment of the invention has been disclosed which distinguishes from the prior forms in the fact that there is a provision by which one or the other side arms of the ap may be releasably secured on the handbag. According to this form of the invention the fastening elements I2' are in the form of stud elements mounted upon the iiap and cooperative with socket elements I3 mounted upon the side wall of the handbag.

The socket elements I3 are formed with openings extending completely through from one side to the other so that the socket elements I3 project from the inner faces of the handbag. Small pins I6 are adapted to engage through openings II formed in the stud portions I 2 of the snap fasteners to hold the snap fasteners locked. These pins I6 are attached to small strings I8 attached to the inner walls of the handbag so that they will not become lost and will always be in position, ready for use.

As shown in Fig. 6, the flap II can only be opened by opening the right hand side. Thus, this right hand side will be the side normally used to open and close the handbag. If it is desired the pins I6 in the left hand side may be removed and then the left side may also be opened. If it is desired the right hand side may be locked in position and then the flap will only open from the left hand side.

In the modified form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 there is a handbag IU having an open top Illa. A flap member IIc is provided for closing the said open top and is adapted to engage across the top and is capable of bending along its central longitudinal area to form side arms which'extend down the sides of the handbag. There are fastening elements I2c mounted on one of the side arms and one of the sides of the handbag I0, and other fastening elements I2cc mounted on the other of the side arms of the flap and the other side of the handbag I0. These fastening elements I2c and I2cc are of different numerical amounts, or differently spaced so as to require that the flap be placed on the handbag with one side arm against one of the faces of the handbag. Because of the different quantities of the fastening elements on each of the side arms of the flap it is immediately evident which way the flap is to be placed on the handbag.

The side arms or flaps are imprinted or colored with different colors indicated by the cross hatching I9 and 20. This is shown to merely indicate that different sections of the ap may be ornamented with distinctive designs.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention, as dened in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:-

1. A combination multi-color interchangeable flap and ladies handbag comprising a handbag with an open top, a flap member for closing said open top and engaging across said top and having side arms of substantially equal height extending down the sides of said handbag at the outside thereof, and fastening elements on adjacent faces of said side arms and cooperative with complementary fastening elements on the side of the handbag, said fastening elements being selectively openable whereby the ap may be opened on either side of the handbag to open the handbag.

2. A combination multi-color interchangeable flap and ladies handbag comprising a handbag with an open top, a flap member for closing said open top and engaging across said top and having side arms extending down the sides of said handbag, fastening elements on adjacent faces of said side arms projecting through the sides of said handbag when in closing position and cooperative with complementary fastening elements on the side of the handbag, and means operable from the inside of the bag when the fasteners on one side are closed for locking said fasteners to prevent opening of the bag from that side.

3. A combination multi-color interchangeable ap and ladies handbag comprising a handbag with an open top, a ap member for closing said open top and engaging across said top and having side arms extending down the sides of said handbag, fastening elements on adjacent faces of said side arms having stud portions, said fastening elements projecting through the sides of said handbag when in closing position and coopieraltive with complementary fastening elements on the side of the handbag, said complementary fastening elements comprising socketL portions and means operable from the inside of the bag when the fasteners on one side are closed for locking said fasteners to prevent opening of the bag from that side, comprising pins engageable through said stud portions of said fasteners when said stud portions are passed through complementary socket portions.

IRVING D. KRAUT. 

